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1. What are the options for participating?
There are two options which are completely voluntary:
1. Reduced seasonal hours means temporarily reducing work hours during an eligible period to no less than 75% full-time equivalency (FTE) with a prorated salary.
2. Seasonal unpaid leave means taking leave without pay in full-week increments.

2. Who is eligible?

Regular, clinically non-essential staff members in a position classified as .75 FTE or greater who are in good standing within their departments are eligible to reduce their hours during seasonal eligible periods. You also must have completed the initial hiring orientation period (usually 90 days).

3. What does full-time equivalency (FTE) mean?

Full-time equivalency indicates the portion or percentage of full-time hours that describes an employee's assigned work schedule. For example, an employee assigned to work full-time at 40 hours a week has an FTE of 100% or 1.0.

1.0 FTE = 100%, 0.75 FTE = 75%, 0.5 FTE = 50%, etc.

4. Why can't I reduce my hours to less than .75 FTE?

A reduction in hours below 75% of full-time hours would change a full-time employee's status to part-time and would result in a loss of benefits.

5. When can I participate?

Anytime between April 17, 2020 and August 28, 2021. Traditionally, the program follows the academic calendar and is only offered during summer and winter sessions. The dates are temporarily being extended as an option for staff who may be navigating additional demands in their personal life during COVID-19 while also experiencing lower demands or volume levels at work.

6. If multiple people from one department make a request for reduced summer or winter hours, how is it decided who is approved?

The decision is at the discretion of the immediate supervisor or division head.

7. How long can I participate in the program?

Employees may request to participate in the program for any length of time during the 2020 seasonal period: April 17, 2020 through August 28, 2021.

If you choose the unpaid leave option, you must take unpaid leave in full-week increments.

8. Can I change my mind after I've completed the enrollment form and obtained approvals?

The agreement can be canceled with the support of both the supervisor and the business officer. For exempt employees, it may not be possible to change your full-time equivalency until the start of the next bi-weekly or monthly pay period.

9. How much will my pay be reduced? 

Non-exempt employees will be paid at the same hourly rate. Pay is based on the number of hours worked. An exempt employee’s salary will be reduced on a pro-rated basis based on the change in their FTE.

10. Will my years of service (calculated for determining retirement eligibility) be affected during the period of reduced hours or leave?

Yes. Your regular years of service will be adjusted based on your FTE during any periods of reduced hours or leave. For example, if your full-time position is normally 40 hours a week (1.0 FTE) and you reduce your hours by 25% during the summer to 30 hours (.75 FTE) a week, then you will accrue at 75% of your regular full-time service during the summer. If you're in an unpaid status, that time period is not included in the calculation of your regular years of service.

11. How will my retirement contribution be affected?

Your retirement contributions will be made in accordance with the amount of your new pay (as a result of the number of hours worked). If you're in an unpaid status, retirement contributions will not continue during any period of unpaid leave.

12. How will my monthly premiums for health insurance be affected?

If you're in a paid status, your benefits will continue being deducted at your normal rate. If in an unpaid status, your benefits will be deducted retroactively once you return to a paid status. See the chart below for more details. For questions regarding your benefits, please contact benefits at (859) 257-9519 and select option 3.

13. Will the reduced hours or unpaid leave affect my vacation and sick leave accruals?

Yes. If you're in a paid status, your accruals will be calculated on a prorated basis. If you're in an unpaid status, you will not accrue leave(s) including vacation, temporary disability leave and holiday leave. This chart describes the impact on your benefits and leave accruals.

Full-time equivalency (FTE)

Salary-related benefits
(life insurance coverage, retirement savings and employer match, accidental death and dismemberment) 

Health, dental and vision benefits*

Accrual of vacation, sick and holiday leave

75%-100%

Pro-rated employer match contribution and life insurance coverage determined by salary or hours worked

Accidental death and dismemberment coverage remains the same

All insurance plans remain the same

Pro-rated based on new work schedule rule

50-74%

Loss of all of these benefits

Loss of UK health credit (employee pays full cost for health); dental and vision are not affected

Pro-rated based on new work schedule rule

20-49%

Loss of all of these benefits

Loss of UK health credit (employee pays full cost for health); dental and vision are not affected

Not eligible for accruals nor usage of vacation sick or holiday leave

*Call 257-9555, option 3 to review dates of your seasonal reduced hours.